If any part of these regulations is rendered
inoperable or declared illegal by any court or tribunal of competent
jurisdiction, the balance of the entire manual will remain in full
force and effect.
Every word importing the masculine gender only
shall be construed to extend to and to include females as well as
males.
As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
BEAT
An area assigned for patrol purposes.
BUREAU
A subdivision of a division of the Police Department having
a specific purpose.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
The unbroken line of authority extending from the Chief of
Police and through a single subordinate at each level of command down
to the level of execution.
COMMANDING OFFICER
A superior officer or, in his absence, the most senior officer
assigned to exercise command over a division, bureau or unit.
DEPORTMENT
The manner in which an individual behaves and conducts himself.
DISCIPLINE
A standard of orderly conduct based on obedience and conformity
to a set of rules or regulations.
DIVISION
A major part of the police organization which encompasses
a group of bureaus or units.
DUTY
A sworn obligation to perform a police action or service.
EQUIPMENT
Comprises nonexpendable items such as revolvers, other firearms,
batons, handcuffs, black jacks, desks, typewriters, etc.
GENERAL ORDER
A directive published by order of the Chief of Police applying
to all members and civilian employees which has the force of a regulation.
HEADQUARTERS
A center from which orders are issued or plans formulated.
In police work, includes the office and staff of the head of the Department.
INCOMPETENCE
Incapable of the satisfactory performance of police duties.
INFORMANT
A person who gives the police certain information to assist
in their work.
INSUBORDINATION
The willful disobedience of any order lawfully issued by
a superior officer, or any disrespectful, mutinous, insolent or abusive
language toward a superior officer.
MANUAL
An instructional publication which describes the most acceptable
way of performing specified tasks.
MATRON
A female civilian employee having supervision of the women's
detention quarters.
MAY
Indicates permissive action.
MEMBER
Sworn policemen and policewomen, whether or not probationary,
unless stated otherwise.
MEMORANDUM
An informal record of any proceeding or informal communication
of any kind.
MISSION
Goal, objective or specified work.
NEGLECT OF DUTY
Failure to give suitable attention to the performance of
duty.
OFFICER
A sworn member of the police force who has arrest powers;
the term is applied without regard to sex, rank, division or duty.
OFFICER, PROBATIONARY
Prior to an officer's permanent appointment, he shall serve
a period of not less than 12 months.
OFFICER IN CHARGE
Any officer who shall be in command of any organic unit or
situation at any given time.
ORGANIZATION
The organic structure of the Department's separate parts.
OUT OF SERVICE
Whenever a member is not in service or involved in a police
activity.
POLICE POWER
The sovereign power of the state to regulate the safety,
morals and general welfare of the public.
POST
A fixed point, location or area to which a member or employee
is assigned for duty.
PROPER AUTHORITY
The right or power to decide and command, when such right
is specifically delegated.
RANK
Each class level of members of the police force.
REGULATION
A mandate promulgated by the Chief of Police, applicable
to all members and employees, and having the force of law.
RELIEF
A working shift or duty period.
SHALL
Indicates mandatory action.
SPECIAL OFFICERS
Upon recommendation of the Chief of Police and the Town Manager,
with the approval of the Town Council, constables may be appointed
and they will adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by the
Police Department.
SPECIAL ORDER
A directive published by order of the Chief of Police applying
to particular members and employees.
SUPPLIES
Property used by or expended in daily use, such as paper
towels, typewriter ribbons, pencils, pads, etc.
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
The police uniform specifically designated by the Chief of
Police to be worn by uniformed members or employees of the Police
Department at any given time.
VERBAL ORDER
An oral directive by a superior officer to a subordinate.
WEAPON
Firearms, blackjack, baton, etc.
Police officers are professionals and, as such,
are expected to maintain exceptionally high standards in the performance
of their duties. Effective and efficient performance of his duty requires
that a police officer maintain the respect and cooperation of his
community. This requirement dictates that the conduct of all police
officers be above reproach in all matters both within and outside
the Department. General professional responsibilities include taking
appropriate action to:
A. Protect life and property;
D. Detect and arrest violators of the law;
E. Enforce all laws coming within departmental jurisdiction;
F. Supervise public functions (such as parades or dances)
where public order requires police presence;
G. Respond to all public emergencies;
H. Endeavor to maintain good community relations;
I. Perform any other duties as assigned by proper authorities;
and
J. Obey all statutes and ordinances as necessary.
Since the position of a police officer is a
public trust, it is important to avoid all situations involving conflicts
of interest whether in fact or only in appearance.
A. Membership in organizations. A member or employee
of this Department shall not affiliate with or become a member of
any organization if such affiliation or membership would in any way
interfere with or prevent him from performing his duty.
B. Outside employment. Prior to accepting any outside
employment, a member or employee must receive written approval of
the Chief. No member of the Department shall accept other employment
which could impair his independence of judgment in the exercise of
official duties.
C. Membership in military organizations. A member of
the force is prohibited from voluntarily joining any federal or state
military organization without the permission of the Chief of Police.
Nothing contained in this subsection is intended to interfere with
or affect the discharge of a member's compulsory military obligation.
D. Political activities.
(1) Participation in political activities while in uniform
or on duty is prohibited. All actions which could even give the impression
that an officer is using his official position to influence the electoral
process are to be avoided. Members and employees who become candidates
for salaried elective office shall take a leave of absence without
pay. Such leave shall encompass both the campaign and the tenure of
office if elected.
(2) A member of the force shall not engage in political
activity in behalf of, or against, any candidate or political question.
While in uniform, a civilian employee of the Department shall not
engage in political activity or discussion on behalf of, or against,
any candidate or political question. Nothing contained in these regulations
shall be construed to mean that a member or employee of the Department
is prohibited from exercising his legal voting rights.
E. Gifts and gratuities. Members and employees shall
not under any circumstances solicit or accept any gift, gratuity,
loan, reward or fee where there is any direct or indirect connection
between the solicitation and their departmental membership or employment,
except as may be specifically authorized by the Chief. Members and
employees must pay for all meals and beverages.
F. Seeking gifts. No member or employee of the Department
shall seek, directly or indirectly, any gift, present or gratuity
from any person, firm, group of persons, or relatives, friends or
employees of the same, on the basis of his membership in the Department.
G. Accepting gifts. No member or employee of the Department
shall accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, present or gratuity
from any person, firm, group of persons, or relatives, friends or
employees of the same, who might conceivably come to expect or seek
preferential treatment, whether in the nature of extra police services
or exemption from police enforcement measures.
H. Gifts from certain classes of citizens. No member
or employee of the Department shall accept under any circumstances,
directly or indirectly, any gift, present or gratuity from any person,
firm, group of persons, or relatives, friends or employees of such
persons who may be engaged in or in any way interested in the operation
of a tavern, saloon or any establishment engaged in the sale of alcoholic
beverages; from any gambler, person of bad character or ill repute;
any professional bondsman; or any friend, relative or employee of
such persons.
I. Rewards. No member or employee of the Department shall
seek or accept any money, gift, gratuity, reward or compensation for
any service rendered or expense incurred in the line of duty without
the written consent of the Chief of Police.
J. Testimonials and presents. No member or employee of
the Department shall collect or receive any money or other thing of
value from any source whatever for the purpose of making a present
or giving a testimonial for any member or employee of the Department,
unless specific permission is granted by the Chief of Police. No member
or employee of the Department shall seek or accept such present or
testimonial without the permission of the Chief of Police.
K. Unauthorized transactions. Members and employees are
prohibited from entering into any transactions of material value at
substantially lower than fair market value or the value at which such
goods or services is being offered to the general public, when such
transaction takes place between themselves and any person involved
in any matter or case which arose out of their employment with the
Department, except as may be specifically authorized by the Chief.
L. Use of official position. An officer shall not use
his official position, Department identification card or badge to
gain privileges not otherwise available to him except in the performance
of duty. His official position, Department identification card or
badge shall never be used to avoid the consequences of illegal acts.
M. Contributions. A member of the force or uniformed
employee shall not seek or be obliged to make contributions in money,
service or otherwise, for any political purpose.
N. Prohibited places. Except in the line of duty, a member
or employee of the Department shall not visit or loiter near any bar,
tavern, tap, lounge or other establishment suspected by the police
as being a place of actual or probable law violations or a place that
is frequented by known hoodlums or other unsavory characters.
An order is a command or instruction, written
or oral, given by a superior officer. All lawful orders, written or
oral, shall be carried out fully and in the manner prescribed. All
general orders, memorandums, special circulars or other orders printed
upon authorized departmental forms that have been approved by the
Chief of Police shall have the force and effect of a Department regulation.
All members of the force shall become familiar with the regulations
and provisions thereof.
A. General orders. General orders are permanent written
orders issued by the Chief of Police outlining policy matters which
affect the entire Department. A general order is the most authoritative
written order the Chief issues and may be used to amend, supersede
or cancel any previous order. General orders remain in full effect
until amended, superseded or canceled by the Chief. Arrangements shall
be made to include general orders in the Police Manual.
B. Special orders. Special orders are temporary written
orders issued by the Chief of Police outlining instructions covering
particular situations. Special orders are automatically cancelled
when their objective is achieved.
C. Unlawful orders. No member shall knowingly issue an
order in violation of any law or any departmental regulation. Unlawful
orders shall not be obeyed. The officer to whom the order was given
shall notify the ordering officer of the illegality of his order.
Responsibility for refusal to obey rests with the officer to whom
the order was given. He shall be strictly required to justify his
action.
D. Unjust or improper orders. Lawful orders which appear
to be unjust or improper shall be carried out. After carrying out
the orders, the officer to whom the order was given may file a written
report to the Chief via the chain of command indicating the circumstances
and the reasons for questioning the orders, along with his request
for clarification of departmental policy.
E. Conflicting orders. Should any order given by a superior
officer conflict with any previous departmental order, the member
to whom such order is given will call attention to the conflict. If
the superior officer does not change his order to avoid such conflict,
then his order will be obeyed, but the member obeying such order will
not be held responsible for disobedience of the previous order. It
should later be reported to the Chief in writing for clarification.
F. Complying with instructions from radio dispatcher.
All messages transmitted over the police radio system by any member
of the force shall be direct and concise and shall conform with all
departmental radio procedures and the rules and regulations of the
Federal Communications Commission. No member shall disobey or refuse
to take cognizance of any communication transmitted through the radio
dispatcher by a superior officer.
Members shall be neat in appearance and well
groomed while on duty in uniform. All articles of clothing shall conform
to the departmental uniform regulations as established by the Chief.
Civilian clothing shall not be worn with any distinguishable part
of the uniform.
A. Hair styles. Hair shall be neat, clean, trimmed and
present a groomed appearance. Hair will not protrude below the ears
or the collar except the closely cut hair on the back of the neck.
Hair in front will be groomed so that it does not fall below the band
of properly worn headgear. In no case will the bulk or length of the
hair interfere with the proper wear of any authorized headgear. The
acceptability of a member's hairstyle will be based upon the criteria
in this subsection and not upon the style in which he chooses to wear
his hair.
B. Sideburns. If an individual chooses to wear sideburns,
they will be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as his
haircut. Sideburns will not extend below the lowest part of the exterior
ear opening, will be of even width (not flared), and will end with
a clean-shaven horizontal line.
C. Mustaches. A short and neatly trimmed mustache may
be worn, but shall not extend over the top of the upper lip or beyond
the corners of the mouth.
D. Beards and goatees. The face will be clean-shaven
other than the wearing of the acceptable mustache or sideburns. Beards
and goatees are prohibited, except that a waiver for the wearing of
a beard for medical reasons with the prior approval of the Chief of
Police shall be allowed. When prescribed that a member not shave,
the beard will be kept trimmed so that it does not protrude more than
1/2 inch from the skin surface of the face.
E. Wigs. Wigs or hairpieces will not be worn on duty
in uniform except for cosmetic reasons to cover natural baldness or
physical disfiguration. If under these conditions a wig or hairpiece
is worn, it will conform to departmental standards. Wigs or a hairpiece
may be worn by officers assigned to undercover with the prior approval
of the Chief of Police.
Equipment issued to members of the Department
shall remain the property of the Department. Members and employees
shall maintain departmental property and equipment assigned to them
in good condition. Damaged or lost property may subject the responsible
individual to reimbursement charges and/or appropriate disciplinary
action. Members shall sign receipts for all issued equipment.
A. Damaged inoperative property and equipment. Members
and employees shall immediately report to their commanding officer
on designated forms any loss or damage to departmental property or
equipment assigned to them. The immediate superior shall be notified
of any defects or hazardous conditions existing in any departmental
property or equipment.
B. Care of departmental buildings. Members and employees
shall not mar, mark or deface any surface in any departmental building.
No material shall be affixed in any way to any wall in departmental
buildings without specific authorization from a commanding officer.
C. Surrender of departmental property. Members and employees
are required to surrender all departmental property in their possession
upon separation from the service or when otherwise ordered.
D. Departmental vehicles. A valid state driver's license
is required of all members. Members shall not use departmental vehicles
without permission of the commanding officer. Departmental vehicles
shall never be used for personal business or pleasure. While a member
of the force is on duty, he shall not drive a private vehicle to his
post or assignment or patrol his post or cover his assignment with
a private vehicle unless he is authorized to do so by his commanding
officer.
E. Transporting citizens. Citizens shall be transported
in departmental vehicles only when necessary to accomplish a police
purpose. Such transportation shall be done in conformance with departmental
policy or at the direction of a commanding officer, immediate supervisor
or the communications center.
F. Authorized equipment. While on duty, a member shall
carry only such equipment as is issued by the Department or authorized
by the Chief of Police.
G. Reporting accidents. Accidents involving departmental
property, personnel and/or equipment must be reported in accordance
with procedures established by the Chief of Police.
H. Upkeep of Police Manual. All members and employees
who are issued the Police Manual are responsible for its maintenance
and knowledge of its contents, and they are required to make appropriate
changes or inserts as issued by the Chief. The manual shall be considered
departmental property.
I. Responsibility for items of identification. Each member
of the Department shall be responsible for the items of identification
issued to him as a member of the force, namely, the police badge,
hat wreath, name bar and identification card. He shall not permit
any other person to borrow or use the items of identification issued
to him by the Department. Any loss of such items shall be reported
immediately by the member to his commanding officer, together with
a written report of the circumstances leading to such loss.
The Chief of Police shall have the power to
discipline the members and employees of the Department. The discipline
shall be provided in accordance with the Town Charter, these rules
and regulations and/or the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island.
If a member is in a probationary status, he may be removed at any
time with or without cause and without hearing by the Town Manager,
with the approval of the Town Council and upon recommendation of the
Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall be able to suspend without
pay any officer or employee; however, any such suspensions over ten
days shall be subject to the Town Manager's approval.